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terephthalic acid

[ ter-ef-thal-ik, ter- ]

noun

, Chemistry.
  1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C 8 H 6 O 2 , the para isomer of phthalic acid: used chiefly in the manufacture of resins and textile fibers.


terephthalic acid

/ ˌtɛrɛfˈθælɪk /

noun

  1. a white crystalline water-insoluble carboxylic acid used in making polyester resins such as Terylene; 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Formula: C 6 H 4 (COOH) 2
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of terephthalic acid1

First recorded in 1855–60; tere(bic) + phthalic
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Word History and Origins

Origin of terephthalic acid1

C20: from terebene + phthalic acid
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Example Sentences

Using the terephthalic acid monomers produced in that process, the researchers made new plastic bottles that were just as strong as the originals.

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